Quality Engineer I — Process Improvement & Supplier Quality

LAARS Heating Systems Co.; Rochester (NH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Laars Heating Systems Company is seeking a Quality Engineer 1 (QE1) to drive measurable improvements in product quality and process performance across boiler and water heater manufacturing.

The QE applies data analysis and structured problem-solving (8D, A3, DMAIC, Six Sigma) to identify root causes and prevent defects, with a focus on proactive quality, SPC, and supplier capability to reduce scrap, rework, and warranty costs while improving throughput and customer experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Quality, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field).
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems; ASME/UL boiler standards is a plus.
• Strong data analysis and familiarity with Excel; Minitab or similar software a plus.
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, 5-Why, DMAIC, Six Sigma).

Responsibilities

• Analyze quality, scrap, rework, and warranty data to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and quantify COPQ.
• Lead root cause analysis and structured problem-solving (8D, A3, 5-Why, DMAIC) for nonconformances, field failures, and customer complaints.
• Develop, implement, and maintain control plans, PFMEAs, and process control methods (SPC, gauge R&R, capability studies) to stabilize and improve manufacturing processes.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Production teams to design and validate process improvements, error-proofing, and inspection methods to prevent defects.
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans through to verified, sustained closure.
• Lead efforts to reduce reliance on incoming inspection by qualifying supplier processes and validating supplier capability.
• Serve as the primary supplier quality contact: lead SCARs, supplier audits, and capability assessments.
• Collaborate with Procurement to evaluate supplier quality performance and onboarding of new suppliers.

Skills

Quality engineering

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Tools

SPC

MSA

FMEA

PPAP

Job description

Laars Heating Systems Company is seeking a Quality Engineer 1 (QE1) to drive measurable improvements in product quality and process performance across boiler and water heater manufacturing.

The QE applies data analysis and structured problem-solving (8D, A3, DMAIC, Six Sigma) to identify root causes and prevent defects, with a focus on proactive quality, SPC, and supplier capability to reduce scrap, rework, and warranty costs while improving throughput and customer experience.